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Thieves appear to be trying to cash in on downtown Walnut Creek's expansion, and now police are warning the public to be on the lookout for pick-pockets, authorities said. Elyce Kirchner reports. (Published Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016)

Thieves appear to be trying to cash in on downtown Walnut Creek's expansion, and now police are warning the public to be on the lookout for pick-pockets, authorities said.

The recent $250 million renovation to Broadway Plaza includes several new restaurants and has attracted many visitors to downtown Walnut Creek. One popoular establishment on Locust Street caught two women swiping wallets.

The surveillance footage shows a woman pretending to be on the phone while the other female suspect casually leans over to grab the victim's wallet from inside of her purse. Then, the thieves takes off.

"Shortly thereafter, while the victims are still eating, they get an alert on their phone that says their credit card is being used over at Sun Valley mall," said Lt. Lanny Edwards.

The same crime has happened at least three other times at different downtown restaurants, most recently on Aug. 5, police said.

Police not only have installed more security cameras but also are stepping up patrols in the area. But they could not emphasize enough that the public should beware of their surroundings and keep an eye on personal belongings.